The Scene of an Incident

Arriving at an Incident

Defensive driving greatly reduces the risk of being involved in a collision, but incidents can still happen despite your best efforts.

You may also come across an incident as you travel. If you’re the first to arrive, the safety of others — including casualties and other road users — may depend on your actions.

Being prepared and knowing what to do can save lives.

If you are involved in an incident, you MUST stop.

Stay Safe First

If you’re first, or among the first, to arrive:

  • Avoid becoming a casualty yourself.

  • Be alert — secondary collisions are common.

  • Fire is a serious risk.

  • Take extra care in poor visibility.

Stop Safely and Warn Others

  • Stop in a safe place away from traffic.

  • Switch on hazard warning lights or other lights.

  • Put on high-visibility clothing if available.

  • Use an advance warning triangle (not on motorways).

  • Use any other means to alert approaching drivers.

Ask other drivers to switch off their engines and ensure no one smokes near the scene.

If necessary, call the emergency services (999).

Calling the Emergency Services

When contacting the emergency services:

  • Give clear details of the location and the number of casualties.

  • On motorways, it’s often best to use the nearest emergency roadside telephone.

Using Mobile Phones

Before calling, make sure you can give your exact location — particularly on motorways where vague descriptions can cause delays.

  • Check marker posts along the roadside; they show your precise position.

  • Look for driver location signs on motorways and major routes — these help emergency services reach you faster.

Assisting Those Involved

  • Move uninjured people to a safe area — well away from traffic, hard shoulders, or central reservations.

  • Do not move trapped casualties unless they are in immediate danger.

  • Be prepared to give first aid if you can.

  • Do not remove a motorcyclist’s helmet unless you’re trained and it’s essential (for example, if they’re not breathing properly).

  • When medical help arrives, give factual information only — avoid assumptions or guesses.

Incidents Involving Dangerous Goods

If a vehicle carrying dangerous goods is involved:

  • Switch off your engine and do not smoke.

  • Keep well back.

  • Call the emergency services and provide details of any warning labels or hazard markings.

  • Avoid using a mobile phone near flammable materials.

  • Be cautious of liquids, dust, or vapours, even in small amounts.

Passing the Scene

If emergency help is already being given:

  • Do not stop unnecessarily. Drive past slowly and stay focused on the road ahead.

  • Never slow down just to look — it can cause further collisions or traffic jams.

  • Always give way to emergency vehicles and incident support units. Look and listen for flashing lights (red, blue, amber, or green) and sirens.

Police Cones or Vehicles

If police cones or vehicles are blocking the road, do not drive around them.

They indicate that the road is closed or unsafe.

If You're Involved in an Incident

  • Stop in a safe location if possible.

  • If there are injuries, call the police and ambulance (or ask someone else to do so). Confirm that help has been called.

  • Offer assistance — even people who seem fine may be in shock or unaware of injuries.

  • Check yourself for injuries too.

If you hit a domestic or farm animal, try to find and inform the owner.

You must provide your:

  • Name and address

  • Vehicle owner’s name and address (if different)

  • Vehicle registration number

Give these details to anyone with reasonable grounds to request them.

If you cannot do this at the scene, you must report the incident to the police within 24 hours (immediately in Northern Ireland).

If someone is injured, you must also provide your insurance details to the police.

If you don’t have the documents with you, you have seven days to produce them at a police station of your choice.

Witnesses and Information

  • Record the names and contact details of any witnesses before they leave.

  • Note the registration numbers of vehicles whose occupants may have seen the incident.

Exchange and record:

  • Names, addresses, and phone numbers of drivers

  • Vehicle makes, models, and registration numbers

  • Insurance information

  • Owner details (if different)

Record Key Information

Include:

  • Vehicle damage and visible injuries

  • Number of passengers involved

  • Weather and road conditions

  • Details of other vehicles (colour, condition, lights, indicators)

  • What was said at the scene

  • Identification numbers of any police officers attending

  • Any other contributing factors

Photographs and Sketches

If safe to do so:

  • Take photos of the scene, vehicle damage, registration plates, and road conditions.

  • Use phone apps or checklists designed for recording incident details.

  • Never put yourself at risk while doing so.

You can also draw a simple map showing:

  • Vehicle positions before and after the incident

  • Distances from signs, junctions, or the kerb

  • Skid marks, witness locations, and directions of travel

Police Statements

If asked for a statement, you don’t have to give it immediately.

It may be better to wait until you’ve recovered from any shock.

When ready, write your statement carefully and keep a copy.

Fraud Awareness

The Insurance Fraud Enforcement Department (IFED) investigates motor and insurance fraud across the UK — from “crash for cash” scams to false injury claims.

Accurate records and photos help protect you from fraudulent claims.

Always document the incident thoroughly.

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